Our Martial Arts Leadership

Mataas Na Guro Annette Dancel

CHIEF Instructor & Founder

Mataas Na Guro Annette Dancel is the founder and Chief Instructor of Dancel’s Academy of Tae Kwon Do (DATKD), a thriving martial arts school rooted in discipline, resilience, and community. Her journey began at the age of 17, when she first stepped onto the mat with a vision that would ultimately shape her life’s work.

Driven by passion and purpose, Guro Annette turned her dream into reality in 2008 by opening her own martial arts school in San Mateo. As her student base grew so did her impact, leading to the academy’s move to San Bruno, where it continues to serve as a cornerstone for personal growth and community connection.

At the heart of DATKD is a powerful mission: to serve anyone willing to better their lives through martial arts. Guro Annette instills a mindset of continuous self-improvement—encouraging students to master their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. Central to her teaching philosophy is the belief in the “Yes, I can” attitude, a principle she models and reinforces every day on and off the mat.

Beyond Tae Kwon Do, Guro Annette has dedicated over a decade to the study and instruction of Filipino martial arts. She is a respected practitioner of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali under Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, further enriching her teachings with diverse combat disciplines and cultural heritage.

As a woman and small business owner, Guro Annette exemplifies strength, perseverance, and leadership. She has built more than just a martial arts school, she has cultivated a community. Through her work, she brings the San Bruno community together, empowering individuals with confidence, instilling lifelong values, and shaping the next generation with lessons that extend far beyond the mat

Sir Dominic A
De Lucca

HEAD TKD Instructor

I was born in San Francisco CA and raised in the Sunset District.

Being the youngest of the boys I was very shy . I was active in school sports but as a teenager I was looking for something more

I started my martial arts journey in 1980. I was influenced by the Legend Chuck Norris watching him on the big screen in a drive- in theater I was amazed.

Master Lee Lawler was my instructor. For many years I trained under his guidance learning Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. I was honored to be his 32nd Black Belt. I later began training in Ralph Gracie’s BJJ system.

Martial arts has been a way of life for me. I’ve taught and trained with some amazing people.

Ma'am Audrey

HEAD Of Operations

Ma’am Audrey’s martial arts journey began at the age of 9, where she trained with dedication and discipline, reaching the rank of advanced red belt by age 12. After stepping away from training (temporarily) her passion for Tae Kwon Do never faded, it simply evolved.

Years later, as a mother of two, Ma’am Audrey made the decision to return to the mat. With a mindset grounded in “faith over fear,” she embraced the challenge ultimately achieving her black belt at the age of 40. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the belief that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.

Ma’am Audrey firmly believes that everyone, regardless of age, should be equipped with the skills and confidence to defend themselves. Her story inspires both students and parents alike, showing that growth and achievement are always within reach.

In her role as Head of Operations, Ma’am Audrey ensures that every DATKD family experiences exceptional support throughout their journey. From onboarding new students to fostering a strong sense of community, she plays a vital role in creating a seamless, welcoming, and family-oriented environment.

Academy Instructors & Team

Lakan Guro Sir Mike

KALI & TKD leadership

My martial arts journey started a little later in life at 46 years old. First with Kali then a year later in TaeKwonDo. I recently earned my 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and the title of Lakan Guro in Kali.

I have been with the DATKD family since 2009. My older son, Sean trained here and earned first degree brown belt. His younger brother Dylan (2nd Degree Black Belt) continues to train and is an instructor.

I love training in both TaeKwonDo and Kali. They are both physically demanding and help keep my mind and body fit. I am constantly learning and the best way to learn is to teach. I enjoy helping others in both TKD and Kali.

When I’m not on the mat I like to do light weight training to work other parts of my body.

Lakan Guro Sir Theo

KALI & TKD Asst INSTRUCTOR

I have been training since I was eight years old. But even before then, I had developed an interest in training. I was hesitant to join and learn, but stayed because of how much it changed my life.

I train in both Tae Kwon Do and Kali (also known as the "Art of the Blade"). Both have helped me grow into a better martial artist and a better person. As the Demo Team Captain, I love helping my peers become the best versions of themselves. Seeing how well the team gets along outside of class could not make me prouder.

Outside of class, I love running, cooking, and participating in school events. Training at the studio has helped me grow inside and out. Not only have I grown stronger, I have gotten more confident and built a better mindset.

For me, martial arts is about community, discipline, and putting in 1000% percent effort. It has improved my confidence, strength both mental and physical, and attitude.

Lakan Guro Alexa

KALI Instructor

I have been training in Kali since I was 10 years old, and it is currently the only martial art I am training in. I have over 600 hours of combined teaching and training.

Kali has become a staple in my life, giving me an amazing community to be apart of. Although training and teaching is fun, the most rewarding part of Kali for me is the people I’ve met along the way, whether that was here at home or traveling.

Outside of Kali, I am currently a student at Mercy High School Burlingame. I love playing golf and hanging out with my friends. In my spare time when I am not training, I am usually found studying for a test or completing homework.

Martial arts to me is represented in the feeling of having a second home. The shared goal to do the best you can unites all of the families together, creating this wonderful community. This community has helped me better myself as a person to become confident and empathetic in everything that I do.

Sir Dylan

TKD INSTRUCTOR

Since the age of 7, I have been training in Tae Kwon Do. Through the black belt club, I began learning Kali as well and found that I enjoyed it. Because of the martial arts, it has opened doors for me and brought lots of joy to my life. I earned my first degree black belt at age 12, and my second degree at 16.

Tae Kwon Do and Kali have both made me stronger, faster, more patient, and kinder as a person. When I teach, I feel a sense of satisfaction once I know that the student can do the technique with little guidance. Being in the demos has given me confidence and made me realize that I enjoy performing.

Other than martial arts, I enjoy performing in the theater, playing card games, and occasionally cooking. Because of martial arts, I am more confident, school presentations are easier to do, and I feel that I am a better person.

Ma'am Sofia

TKD Instructor

I started training at eight years old. I first developed interest after DATKD’s demo team preformed at my school’s festival. Over the years, training has helped me grow not only in skill, but also in confidence and leadership qualities. What started as an activity quickly became something that shaped who I am today.

I train in Tae Kwon Do and have had the opportunity to participate in a few tournaments, which have pushed me to challenge myself and improve both mentally and physically. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork!

One of my favorite things about training at DATKD is the strong sense of family. The support and encouragement I’ve received here have meant so much to me, and I strive to give that same experience to new students! My goal as an instructor is to help others grow and feel more confident in themselves on and off the mat, just like I have.

Outside of class, I enjoy playing flag football and cooking. For me, martial arts is more than just training—it’s about building confidence, practicing discipline, creating connections, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Sir Rami

TKD instructor

I have been dedicated to the art of Tae Kwon Do for over nine years. What began as a personal journey of discipline and physical fitness quickly transformed into a lifelong passion for martial arts and its deep-rooted values.

For the past four years, I have had the privilege of stepping into the role of an instructor. Teaching has allowed me to share the strength and focus I’ve gained with my students, helping them navigate their own paths toward mastery. Being of Palestinian heritage, I bring a spirit of resilience and community to every class I lead.

Outside of the dojang, I am committed to continuous self-improvement and staying active. Whether I am training or teaching, my goal is always to foster an environment where students feel empowered to push their limits and build a stronger version of themselves.

My philosophy is simple and drives everything I do: Discipline. I believe that with a disciplined mind and body, any obstacle can be overcome, and any goal can be reached.

Sir Bryan

TKD Instructor & Sparring coach

I’ve been training in martial arts since I was 13 years old, growing up in a family where it was always part of life; my sister is a black belt, and today my own kids train as well.

My foundation is in Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do, and I’ve also trained in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, Muay Thai, and Filipino Kali. I bring that experience into my teaching to help students build strong fundamentals while keeping classes engaging and supportive.

I especially enjoy working with students on sparring, helping them develop confidence, control, and respect for their training partners. I also support and coach students who choose to participate in optional tournaments.

For me, martial arts is about helping students grow; not just in skill, but in discipline, focus, and self-confidence.

Beaux & Ziggy

heads of morale

Beaux and Ziggy serve as the beloved Morale Team, bringing heart, energy, and a whole lot of personality to the school.They serve an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment for every student.

Beaux is known for his calm, intuitive presence. He comforts children who may feel nervous or unsure about trying something new. As a natural therapy dog, Beaux helps ease anxieties by offering quiet support, gentle companionship, and a reassuring presence.

Ziggy brings the energy. Full of life and enthusiasm, Ziggy matches the pace of even the most high-energy classes. He embodies the spirit of fun, excitement, and “oomph,” keeping students engaged, smiling, and energized throughout their time at DATKD.

Whether they’re providing reassurance, chasing toys with students, or simply being the highlight of the day, they are always at the center of the DATKD experience and often the favorite topic of conversation.